24 Feb 2010
Catholic pressure causes Government to water down sex education measures
The Government has done a u-turn on its commitment to ensure that all children receive a broad, balanced and objective sex and relationship education (SRE). The amendment tabled by Ed Balls under pressure from the Catholic Education Service, will give an opt out to faith schools. The Government originally intended all governing bodies and head teachers to have regard to a set of "principles" which include statements that sex and relationship education should be taught in a way that endeavours to promote equality and encourages acceptance of diversity. However, the Government has now laid an amendment to this Bill which many fear would curtail the implementation of SRE in religious schools and allow faith schools to put pressure on children in relation to issues such as contraception and sexual orientation. The new amendment states that the principles "are not to be read as preventing the governing body or head teacher of a school within subsection (7B) from causing or allowing PSHE to be taught in a way that reflects the school's religious character." More